Art Dubai is the leading international art fair in the Middle East, held each spring at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. Founded in 2007, it focuses on modern, contemporary and digital art from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) and the wider Global South, and in a regular year brings together around 120 galleries from more than 40 countries.
Art Dubai 2026: A Special 20th Edition
The fair’s 20th edition was originally planned for April 2026 but was postponed because of regional tensions that disrupted flights and shipping. It went ahead as a special edition from 15 to 17 May 2026, in a modified format with around 75 presentations from galleries in nearly 20 countries, more than half of them from the region. Institutional partners included Alserkal Avenue, Art Jameel, Barjeel Art Foundation, Dubai Collection and Sharjah Art Foundation, and the 20th Global Art Forum ran alongside the fair.
Venue: Madinat Jumeirah
Art Dubai takes place at Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Road, Al Sufouh 1, Dubai, which has been the fair’s home for most of its history.
What You Can See
The fair is organised into gallery sections including Contemporary, Modern, Bawwaba and Digital. Alongside the galleries, Art Dubai runs artist commissions, an education programme and the Global Art Forum, its annual talks programme.
Recent Editions
| Year | Dates | Venue | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 18–20 April 2025 | Madinat Jumeirah | Regular edition |
| 2026 | 15–17 May 2026 (postponed from April) | Madinat Jumeirah | Special 20th edition, around 75 presentations |
| 2027 | To be announced | — | — |
FAQ
1. When is Art Dubai?
Art Dubai usually takes place in spring. Its 20th edition, originally planned for April 2026, was postponed and held as a special edition from 15 to 17 May 2026. Dates for 2027 have not yet been announced.
2. Where is Art Dubai held?
Art Dubai is held at Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Road, Al Sufouh 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The resort complex has been the fair’s home for most of its history.
3. How much are Art Dubai tickets?
Entry to the 2026 special edition was reported to be free. Ticketing can change from year to year, so check the official Art Dubai website for current prices and opening hours before you visit.
4. Can artists exhibit at Art Dubai?
Art Dubai is a gallery fair, so exhibitors are galleries and institutions rather than individual artists. Artists usually take part through a participating gallery or through the fair’s artist commissions. Independent artists looking to show work in the UAE can browse open calls on ArtInfoland.
5. Why was Art Dubai 2026 postponed?
The 20th edition was moved from April to May 2026 because regional tensions disrupted flights and cargo transport. The fair went ahead in a modified format, and galleries paid a share of sales instead of upfront stand fees.
Next Edition
Dates for Art Dubai 2027 have not yet been announced. Check the official website for updates.
Website: artdubai.ae
2 Comments
Besides Art Dubai, are there other art exhibitions or events worth seeing in Dubai at the same time?
Art Dubai works closely with the city’s cultural spaces. In 2026 its partners included Alserkal Avenue, Art Jameel and the Sharjah Art Foundation in neighbouring Sharjah, all of which run their own exhibition programmes. For current art events, exhibitions and open calls in the city, see our Dubai listings, and check the official Art Dubai website for the fair’s own programme.